Russia moving nuclear-capable missile system into Europe

Russian forces in Astrakhan Province perform an exercise using the Iskander-M missile system last March. The 9M729 missile, which violates the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, is thought to be launched from a system similar to the Iskander. [Russian Defence Ministry]

Caravanserai

Russia is moving its Iskander-M missile system -- which is capable of launching a nuclear missile that is in violation of a bedrock international arms treaty -- to its brigade in Kaliningrad, the Russian territorial outpost between Poland and Lithuania.

The Russian Ministry of Defence announced the move on its website on January 1.

The 9M729 missile, also known as the SSC-8, is thought to be launched from the Iskander system, or one very similar to it. It has a strike range of up to 2,500km, putting it in violation of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty.

The historic pact bans ground-launched missiles with a range of 500km to 5,500km.

The transfer of the Iskander-M system to Russia's Western Military District will be "completed in 2019", the ministry said, and it includes "two types of missiles: ballistic and cruise".

"The complex is designed to eliminate enemy missile launchers, anti-missile and air defence systems, airplanes and helicopters at airfields, command posts and infrastructure," it said.

Empty claims, real threats

The transfer of the Iskander-M missile system within striking range of Europe is the latest in a series of boastful claims and provocations against NATO allies.

Putin joked on October 18 that in the event of a nuclear exchange, "We, as victims of aggression, as martyrs, will go to heaven. [The aggressors] will simply die because they won't even have time to repent."

"Russia's actions gravely undermine American national security and that of our allies and partners," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said December 4 after talks with fellow NATO foreign ministers.

"We strongly support the finding of the United States that Russia is in material breach of its obligations under the INF Treaty," NATO's 29 foreign ministers said in a joint statement.

In November, the Dutch government said it had evidence that Russia is violating the INF Treaty.

"The Netherlands can independently confirm that Russia has developed and is currently introducing a ground-based cruise weapon," Foreign Minister Stef Blok and Defence Minister Ank Bijleveld wrote in the joint letter dated November 27.

But with the deadline looming, and a multitude of world leaders voicing concerns over the potential demise of the INF Treaty, Russia has continued to respond with intransigence and denials.